A Ph.D. in a biological science is the minimum education required for most
prospective medical scientists, except epidemiologists. However, some medical
scientists pursue medical degrees to perform clinical work. Epidemiologists
typically need at least a masters degree in public health, but some work
requires a Ph.D. or medical degree. A period of postdoctoral work in the
laboratory of a senior researcher is becoming increasingly common for medical
scientists.

Education and training. A Ph.D. typically qualifies people to
research basic life processes or particular medical problems and to analyze the
results of experiments. Some medical scientists obtain a medical degree instead
of a Ph.D., but some do not become licensed physicians because they prefer
research to clinical practice. It is particularly helpful for medical scientists
to earn both a Ph.D. and a medical degree.

Students planning careers as medical scientists should have a
bachelors degree in a biological science. In addition to required
courses in chemistry and biology, undergraduates should study allied
disciplines, such as mathematics, engineering, physics, and computer science, or
courses in their field of interest. Once they have completed undergraduate
studies, they can then select a specialty for their advanced degree, such as
cytology, bioinformatics, genomics, or pathology.

The minimum educational requirement for epidemiologists is a masters
degree from a school of public health. Some jobs may require a Ph.D. or medical
degree, depending on the work performed. Epidemiologists who work in hospitals
and health care centers often must have a medical degree with specific training
in infectious diseases. Some employees in research epidemiology positions are
required to be licensed physicians because they must administer drugs in
clinical trials.

Few students select epidemiology for undergraduate study. Undergraduates,
nonetheless, should study biological sciences and should have a solid background
in chemistry, mathematics, and computer science. Once a student is prepared for
graduate studies, he or she can choose a specialty within epidemiology. For
example, those interested in studying environmental epidemiology should focus on
environmental coursework, such as water pollution, air pollution, pesticide use,
toxicology, and molecular biology. Other specialties include occupational
epidemiology, infection processes, infection control precautions, surveillance
methodology, and outbreak investigation. Some epidemiologists begin their
careers in other health care occupations, such as registered nurse or medical
technologist.

In addition to formal education, medical scientists usually spend some time
in a postdoctoral position before they apply for permanent jobs. Postdoctoral
work provides valuable laboratory experience, including experience in specific
processes and techniques such as gene splicing, which is transferable to other
research projects. In some institutions, the postdoctoral position can lead to a
permanent job.

Licensure. Medical scientists who administer drug or gene
therapy to human patients, or who otherwise interact medically with
patients ¯drawing blood, excising tissue, or performing other invasive
procedures ¯must be licensed physicians. To be licensed, physicians must
graduate from an accredited medical school, pass a licensing examination, and
complete 1 to 7 years of graduate medical education.

Epidemiologists who perform laboratory tests often require the knowledge and
expertise of a licensed physician to administer drugs to patients in clinical
trials. Epidemiologists who are not physicians frequently work closely with one.

Other qualifications. Medical scientists should be able to work
independently or as part of a team and be able to communicate clearly and
concisely, both orally and in writing. Those in private industry, especially
those who aspire to consulting and administrative positions, should possess
strong communication skills so that they can provide instruction and advice to
physicians and other health care professionals.

Certification and advancement. The Association for
Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology offers continuing education
courses and certification programs in infection prevention and control and
applied epidemiology. To become certified as an infection control professional,
applicants must pass an examination. Certification can be an advantage for those
seeking advancement in this rapidly evolving field.

Advancement among medical scientists usually takes the form of greater
independence in their work, larger budgets, or tenure in university positions.
Others choose to move into managerial positions and become natural science
managers. Those who pursue management careers spend more time preparing
budgets and schedules.